Who We Are – Ryan Jeffers

Hey! My name is Ryan Jeffers, I’m a proud contributor of Rai$e it! I transferred to the University of Maryland last semester from Salisbury University. I am a senior majoring in Communications.

I have worked countless jobs since I was 14 years old. Any low paying/broke-college-student job you can think of, I have probably done it. From camp counselor, to groundskeeper, to automotive transportation, to every single restaurant job under manager; I have done it all. My very first job paid $50 per week for 40+ hours of work ($1.25 per hr). Since it was my first job and I was 14, I was ecstatic to be getting paid at all. While I was attending Salisbury University, my job paid $8.50 an hour and I worked around 30 hours per week. I found myself struggling to pay for daily expenses such as meals, clothes, or gas money. Considering the fact that I was not paying for rent or tuition makes me think that $7.25 an hour for ANY job should be a crime. If we can gradually raise minimum wage to a reasonable number,  America’s economy and overall quality of life will improve right in front of our eyes.

Who We Are – Joey Ciampa

Hey Guys! My name is Joey Ciampa, I’m one of five contributors to Rai$e it! I’m a Junior at the University of Maryland, College Park currently studying communications.

Gratuitous Selfie

I’ve been working various jobs since I was legally allowed to; 16 in Connecticut where I’m from. Coming from a fairly privileged household, I had never stressed about money. Working 20+ hours a week was enough to sustain my selfish need for cash. Along the way, I had encountered coworkers who didn’t have it as easy as me. Working multiple part time jobs, working 60+ hours a week, barely earning enough to eat dinner that night. These coworkers were not afforded the luxurious safety net I was so fortunate to receive from my parents. Connecting with these kind and generous people, I knew no one should have to live such a stressful life, scouring for available hours just to keep a roof over their heads. This is why I fight for livable wages for all!